Prior to the voting, Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) candidate for the post withdrew his papers in favour of Khattak.

Opposition leader

PML-N is likely to get the leader of the opposition slot in the assembly.

Sources privy to developments in the PML-N confirmed the party was now manoeuvring to secure the opposition leader’s slot.

“Even PTI, the leading coalition partner in the KP Assembly, has been requested by the PML-N’s leadership to support its candidate for the post,” said an insider.

According to parliamentary procedure, the assembly speaker will ask the opposition benches to submit a name for the opposition leader’s slot. Following this, the opposition parties will come to a consensus and submit a name. In case there is no consensus, the speaker has the discretion to name a person for the post after evaluating the developing scenario himself.